Programme a second chance

Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga yesterday said the Second Chance Matric Programme was an opportunity for young people to obtain or improve a matric qualification.

At a media briefing before tabling her department’s budget vote in parliament, Motshekga emphasised how important the Second Chance Matric Programme was and how the objective was to offer young people who had failed to meet the requirements of the NSC/SC and those who wish to upgrade or improve their NSC a further opportunity.

“We have seen substantial increases in KZN (6 739), and Limpopo (4 987) who offered face-toface lessons for the November examinations, as well as the Northern Cape (2 138). In addition, there were substantial increases in the results of the eight pilot subjects from 2015 to 2016,” she said.

Motshekga said these were the results of the programme last year and proved there had been an increase in the uptake of postschool NSC examinations.

Motshekga also said that her department would be continuing with their advocacy work regarding the programme.

“I am on a country-wide roadshow to promote the Second Chance Matric programme and get feedback on how it is being received on the ground in a bid to improve the roll-out as we continue to work on the programme.”

Thus far the minister had visited three provinces but intended to visit all nine provinces before the end of this year.

One of the ways in which young people will receive support from the programme is face-to-face lessons at some venues.

“Multi-media broadcasting solutions, these include telematics in some provinces, internet broadcasting, the DBE television channel broadcasts lessons on both Open View HD and DStv. We are also using the SABC Education’s Geleza Nathi which is on SABC 1 from 5am to 6am daily and repeats at 11 pm. These can also be accessed on their YouTube channel,” she added.

She also said a digital online course had been made available throughout the year to support pupils. – ANA